In an move that appears to have been brewing for some time, Dr Nkiruka Madueke has been removed from office as Director General of the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC), by the Presidency.
Replacing her is Barr Omotenioye Majekodunmi, a seasoned climate finance specialist and environmental lawyer, as the new Director-General of the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC)—a move seen as part of the administration’s strategic recalibration of Nigeria’s climate governance structure.
While the presidency did not specify reasons for the leadership change, the decision comes after growing discontent within Nigeria’s climate community over alleged exclusion of critical stakeholders from the 62nd UNFCCC session held in Bonn, Germany, in June.
In a statement released by Presidential Spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, the Tinubu administration praised Dr. Madueke for her “dedicated service and strong foundation” during the formative phase of the Council.
The spotlight, however, is now on Majekodunmi, whose appointment is being widely interpreted as a signal of the administration’s intention to re-energize its climate ambitions with a more inclusive and finance-savvy approach.
“Majekodunmi’s appointment reaffirms the Tinubu administration’s commitment to tackling climate change as both an environmental necessity and a driver of sustainable economic growth, national security, and social inclusion,” Onanuga stated.
With over 17 years of experience in environmental law, renewable energy finance, carbon markets, and multilateral climate governance, Majekodunmi is no stranger to Nigeria’s climate ecosystem.
She previously served as Financial Adviser to the NCCC, where she played a critical role in shaping Nigeria’s approach to climate finance frameworks, carbon pricing, and international climate negotiations.
Her career includes advisory roles with both national institutions and global climate platforms, and her leadership is expected to attract deeper investor confidence, particularly in carbon market development and clean energy financing.
Although the transition has drawn mixed reactions, several climate stakeholders and civil society groups have expressed cautious optimism. Some had previously voiced concerns over transparency and inclusivity under the former leadership.
An environmental analyst with a national NGO, who asked not to be named, noted: “Nigeria needs climate leadership that can deliver on both diplomacy and grassroots impact. Majekodunmi brings technical credibility and deep stakeholder engagement experience. We hope this signals a reset.”
Majekodunmi’s appointment comes at a critical moment, as Nigeria gears up for its updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) review, preparations for COP30 in Brazil, and the rollout of key policies under the Climate Change Act 2021.
Her task will include driving Nigeria’s participation in global carbon markets, scaling climate-smart investments, ensuring inclusive climate planning, and deepening institutional collaboration across ministries and subnational entities.
With the climate crisis accelerating and international funding mechanisms becoming more performance-based, Majekodunmi’s blend of legal expertise, finance acumen, and policy experience may prove pivotal. As she takes the reins at the NCCC, all eyes will be on whether Nigeria can turn its climate commitments into measurable action.
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